Statement

Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA - 05) made the following statement today after President Barack Obama signed an Executive Order lifting the eight-year ban on embryonic stem cell research put in place by the Bush Administration:

"Today is an historic day for the millions of Americans who live with a disease that embryonic stem cell research may be able to cure. In issuing this order, President Obama has ended the ban on critical research that holds the promise of eliminating the unnecessary suffering of Americans of all ages, all over the country.

"The reversal of this ban restores our commitment to science-based inquiry. In many ways, the stem-cell research community's base is in California, where policymakers and researchers are champions of its innovative techniques. By allowing bio-medical scientists to do what they do best, we will support our universities, create new jobs, and help save millions of lives across the world.

"The President's actions today renewed hope for the hundreds of Sacramentans who are afflicted with diseases including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's Disease, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, bone marrow failure diseases, burns and spinal cord injuries, and dozens of other diseases for which stem-cell research represents the promise of a cure.

"This Administration has made it clear that science should notand will notbe dictated by politics. Stem-cell research is a long-term investment for the health of our country, and I will continue to work with UC Davis Medical Center and local scientists to advance the stem-cell research that can make a positive difference in the lives of Sacramentans."